Are Mozambique s solar photovoltaic panels reliable

In a new monthly column for <b>pv magazine</b>, SolarPower Europe describes how Mozambique may take full advantage of its huge solar potential by implementing its recently launched Renewable Energy Auctions Programme for large-scale projects, while also pushing for more off-grid renewables in remote areas.

Future tenders are expected to be announced in Q4 of 2023, including the selection of two independent power producers for two 30 MW solar photovoltaic power plants and one 50 MW wind power plant. But Mozambique has an enormous challenge that spreads far beyond where the national grid ends.

The total estimated addressable market for off-grid solar is currently 173 MW, and is expected to grow in line with the growth of the aforementioned sectors. Recent energy policy reforms are also changing the game for off-grid renewables in Mozambique.

By 2030, the Government of Mozambique hope to transform this landscape, and achieve universal energy access by the end of the decade. This would require capacity to more than double to almost 6,500 MW. Solar is undeniably the most intuitive renewable technology when it comes to off-grid energy solutions.

However, the Mozambican government have a vision for the country, based on clean electrification for all. The southern African nation possesses serious solar wealth, with 23 TW of its 23,026 GW estimated renewable potential attributed to solar.

Over the past two decades, Mozambique has seen steady economic growth, combined with a suite of actions aimed at strengthening the energy sector. The introduction of the Electricity Law in 1997 opened the way to greater participation of the private sector, including the facilitation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).